Jesse James Fit

The Blog

How Fitness Builds Confidence

Have you ever wished that you had more confidence? People who set fitness boundaries report experiencing a boost of confidence. Think about it: when you set a higher standard for yourself confidence grows naturally. As you lose weight and feel better than ever your confidence will sky rocket.

Self-confidence is important to have, it means feeling certain and good about yourself and having self-assurance about what one can accomplish. It’s feeling like you can achieve what you set your mind to; a belief and/or conviction that you can succeed.

Lacking self-confidence can seriously restrict what you do in life. A person with low self-confidence could be hesitant to many things such as interacting with people. This can lead to difficulty in creating and maintaining relationships. Also, one could be hesitant to trying new hobbies or getting involved in the community. Imagine how much life is actually being missed out on.

Fitness can improve you not only physically but mentally as well. Most turn to fitness for a variety of reasons to improve some aspect of the way the body functions — to make it stronger, quicker, healthier, leaner, etc. You accomplish these improvements through goals. By accomplishing goals, you prove to yourself that you are tough enough, strong enough, and brave enough to accomplish what you want. Physical success in fitness comes from the mind as one does not start out strong, lean, quick etc. It is through the mental toughness of overcoming each obstacle day in and day out to which these goals are acheived.Essentially, through fitness, you prove to yourself that you can do anything not just physically, but mentally as well!

Each time a goal is set and acheived, you gain the sense of acomplishment and feel proud about yourself. Those feelings are rewarding and naturally you move on to bigger goals in an effort to progress. Fitness is a marathon and not a sprint! The pattern of creating smaller goals and moving on to acheive bigger goals helps you succeed physically and mentally. Physically you actually see changes in the mirror over time and mentally you gain confidence in yourself and what you can accomplish as you look back at your progress. After feeling hesitant, you become proud and confident about your fitness journey, which transfers into confidence in other areas of life.

Exercise is the greatest confidence booster and mental toughness creator. It takes discipline to achieve success in fitness and teaches discipline in other areas of life. The passion drive, and perseverance to achieve a goal plays in other areas of our lives as well. Through fitness you learn about yourself, what you are made of and what you can do. Going from a couch potato to a runner or gym avoider to gym rat, the fitness journey instills confidence and belief in oneself. Time and time again we have seen many members change their lives both physically and mentally through fitness. With new found confidence through fitness, members walk with their head held high knowing they are capable of overcoming obstacles and enduring the uncomfortable to reach their fitness goals. The sky is the limit and you are capable because you know your strength!

YOUTH PROGRAM Mentorship Gym etiquette & Function and Form teachingSelf-awareness & confidence as a result from our programMind, Body, Muscle connection and awarenessAddressing eating habits and choices. Nutrition guidance. buff.ly/2zTB7hl... See MoreSee Less

Monica McClatchey

Physical Therapist & JJF Elite Trainer

Degrees/certifications/specialties:
MS in Physical Therapy/FiTour advanced personal training certification/geriatrics, orthopedic injuries.
I’ve always been passionate about health and fitness, and in particular, encouraging others to adopt a healthy lifestyle. So, in 1995, I left my career as an Engineer to pursue a career in Physical Therapy. I have worked in the medical field as a Physical Therapist since 1997 and have also intermittently personal trained. I enjoy teaching others how to improve their quality of life through functional exercise and training to improve balance, flexibility and muscular imbalances. I am extremely excited to be a part of the JJF team and their pursuit to change lives. As a trainer, I am committed to a continuous pursuit of learning that will enable me to better train clients, encourage them during their struggles and celebrate their victories toward a healthier lifestyle.

Tiffany Leyva

Brand Ambassador & Elite Personal Trainer

My name is Tiffany, I am married to Jesse James Leyva and proud to work alongside him and our amazing team at Jesse James Fit and Outlaw FitCamp!
I joined Jesse James Fit as a client in April 2010. Having lost 40lbs on my own at the time I knew I needed help keeping the weight off and I was ready for a new fitness goal. I had a bucket list item to enter a bodybuilding competition and needed the right coach to help me achieve this. Jesse was that coach and then some, he helped me place 3rd in the U.S.A competing in women’s physique. To this day I am still a client and understand what it takes to lose the weight and keep it off. Having going from unhealthy to top athlete my passion is to help other women reach for their highest potential. I’ve also spent 17 years as a hairstylist. While going through my own transformation I wanted to help women feel great from the inside out instead of the outside in. In 2014 I closed my salon to help with the growth of Outlaw FitCamp, Jesse James sister company. Today I assist our team with content, programs and coaching clients to reach their absolute best while delivering up-to-date, helpful programs, tips, tools and methods. Jesse James Fit changed my life and I get to serve others by paying it forward, it’s not a job it’s now become my passion.

Vicki Johnson Carter

Elite Trainer

My name is Vicki. I’m 44, have 4 wonderful children, and currently reside in Flower Mound.
My passion for health & fitness came later in life, but I was always involved in sports and activities growing up.

In 1999 I was hit by a drunk driver and left in a wheelchair. I was told that I would never walk again. The next two years, I laid in bed or in a fixed-leg, extended manual chair with external fixtures, so that my legs could heal. During this time, I went from 180 lbs to over 400 lbs.

In 2012, I made the decision to change my life and vowed to never look back. My daughter was training at JJF during this time. Jesse would always pick at me and ask… When are you going to start training? Being 445 lbs in a wheelchair just didn’t sit right with me, so I decided I’m going to do this, regardless…whatever it took. I started training, and over the next 3 years I lost 310 lbs, had excess skin removed and underwent double-knee replacement with some reconstruction.

By January 2015, I was up and walking for the first time in nearly 16 yrs. Over the next year my passion for health and fitness was so deep, I decided to become a personal trainer.My passion is wanting to help others who think they don’t have a choice. Yes, you do have a choice…. it’s all about changing your mindset. I would love to meet you and help you find yourself again–to find your why and achieve your goals. Healthy never felt so good!

Sally Hawkins

Administrative Assistant/Accounts Payable

By the time you reach 60, you have heard about and tried just about every “diet” and every exercise “fad.” The one phrase that resonates through each diet and exercise gimmick has always been, “change your lifestyle.” I guess we are not willing to accept such a simple phrase as THE game changer, until you are fortunate enough to encounter Jesse James Fitness. My first meeting with Jesse was simple and to the point – you can change your life if you change your lifestyle. I came in frustrated with my life, my weight, my body, and my spirit. JJF quickly gave me a plan that we could work together. Jesse taught me how to ‘feed’ my body to boost my metabolism, develop lean muscle, and lose unnecessary fat. Easy? No, not at first. Successful? Absolutely! In addition, life did get better and a healthy lifestyle became the “norm” not the “exception.”

I found the fitness environment so motivating and JJF such a warm, giving group of individuals, I decided to add to my “bucket list” of Sally “to-do’s by age 60!” Jesse needed office help, and I needed Jesse, so we quickly formed a bond not only on the studio floor but also in the office. Having graduated with two degrees from UNT and worked in corporate America for the better part of 40 years – what a thrill to be involved in a true passion, where I can not only workout but “work for” others helping me gain a healthy lifestyle!

Changing my life for myself has been a game-changer for me. It allows me to devote real quality time not only with my husband of 40 years but also my three grown children and two adorable grandsons! There may not be a a “real” fountain of youth, but in my mind, Jesse James Fit comes pretty darn close!

Richard Hatcher

Elite Trainer

My life experiences have taught me the value of health and fitness. I am driven to help others by sharing my experience to effect positive changes that result in a better quality of life.

I have traveled the ‘weight loss road’ to reach greater stamina and endurance. Even though I had a career as a U.S. Navy Rescue Swimmer and had studied martial arts, I gained too much weight. Adopting a healthy lifestyle certainly changed and enhanced my quality of life! I lost over 100 pounds to reach my current healthy weight.

I am passionate about health and fitness, and I am committed to lifelong learning, so I can provide others with the most current training in order to help them reach their desired fitness goals.

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS:

B.S. Management

M.S. Human Resource Management

Certified Personal Trainer – Cooper Institute

Biomechanics of Resistance Training – Cooper Institute

Cooper Institute: Nutrition for Health & Fitness.

SPECIALTIES:
Strength and Conditioning, Pre-military, Weight Loss

Lee Seale

Elite Trainer

I’ve known Jesse for over 20 years, and I was his guide and mentor into proper training and fitness. He has now paid me back in return by hiring me and allowing me to share my experience and wisdom with others.

I am extremely fortunate to have a job I love, and since being here, I have helped my current clientele with weight loss, nutrition and their self-esteem, which has strengthened their overall outlook on life and has become more positive. I have been married over 20 years to Timberly Seale. I have a daughter, Brylee, who’s five years old. I enjoy Lego building when I’m not training or working out. As a family, we enjoy going on long walks and are actually right now getting our new house squared away.

ISSA certified

AFFA certified

CPR/AED certified

Associate in Arts & Science

Graduate of UTA with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology

1995 North Texas, 1st Place Novice Division

1996 Red River Classic, 2nd Place Open Division

Joined JJF in January of 2016

Cathy Daniels

Elite Trainer

Thanks to my loving husband, I left corporate America to follow my dreams and passion to become a personal trainer. Fitness has always been a big part of my life. I have been in the fitness industry for over 10 years and have developed a deep understanding of the various aspects of fitness. I have trained with professional and amateur fitness enthusiasts. I have also competed in, placed and won various figure competitions.

My philosophy is simple; stay focused, eat clean, train hard and you will achieve your goal. Good nutrition begins with making healthy daily food choices, but the foundation of good nutrition is consistency in choosing healthy food and living a healthy lifestyle every day. Healthy eating can’t just be a temporary “diet” or “program.” It has to be a way of life.

My favorite things to do when I am not training are cycling, strength and conditioning, running 5k races with my husband and sharing quality time with my family and friends.

As your trainer, I will monitor your progress, develop and modify programs as needed. I will help you set attainable goals and measure your progress toward them, empowering you to reach long-term strength and performance improvements through accountability. I realize that is not always easy, so you may need that extra coaching. I will be there for you!

CERTIFICATIONS:

FitTour PT

FitTour Senior Fitness Specialty

SPECIALTIES:
Weight Loss, Strength & Conditioning, Group Training

Kay Simms

Elite Trainer

Good health is a blessing not to be taken for granted! I have had the privilege of working with Jesse Leyva since 2006, sharing our passion for people, health, and changing lives. My goal is to serve every client with love, energy, passion, and commitment to lead them too happier, healthier lives. I am fascinated by exercise physiology, body mechanics, and the function and impact of nutrients on the body. Years of education and experience allow me to evaluate and address clients’ individual needs to improve their quality and enjoyment of life. I have also lived a health journey of gluten and lactose intolerance, lymphatic colitis, and progression to leaky gut syndrome and many food allergies. This experience allows me to serve a growing population of clients with digestive and autoimmune issues as they seek to make appropriate nutrition/lifestyle adjustments to manage and heal. In addition to training, my husband Drew and I also work behind the scenes as partners of Jesse James Fit and Outlaw Bootcamps. We also enjoy traveling and exploring ethnic restaurants. If I am not at the studio, you will find me on the tennis court playing hard!

Jesse James Leyva

President & Elite Trainer Jesse James Fit & Outlaw FitCamp

Changing and TRANSFORMING lives and families is what Jesse is all about. Passion, discipline, hard work, and love have shaped Jesse’s fitness career; and he has instilled these into thousands of clients over the years. Because all aspects of wellness are important and connected, Jesse coaches his team of trainers to help all clients realize that they can do much more, beyond what they ever thought possible, by teaching them to appreciate the small changes made every day to yield success.

As an expert in the fitness industry for more than 15 years, Jesse recognized the need for a fitness facility environment where people could be people and have a sense of belonging, regardless of age, size, shape, or goals. He responded to this need by creating an experience that focused not just on firm muscles, but on a healthy body, mind, and change of lifestyle. His uncompromising love for people and their well-being, with high energy and personalized attention, has escalated into a place unlike any other fitness establishment.

Jesse is a master of exercise technique and training methods. He has developed a unique, efficient system of fitness training that guarantees results SAFELY and EFFECTIVELY, which has helped him build one of the top personal training studios in the country.